Best time to visit
The best time to visit Sacramento, California, is in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. During these months, temperatures typically range from the 70s to 90s, making it ideal for exploring the city’s parks, rivers, and cultural events. Spring brings a host of outdoor festivals and concerts to the region, accompanied by vibrant scenery such as the Almond Bloom in February and March. This season also offers activities like rafting on California’s rivers, which run strong from April through September.
Summer, especially July, tends to bring extreme heat and drought conditions, but it’s also the time when many of Sacramento’s popular events, like the California State Fair, occur. Despite the heat, visitors can still enjoy local swimming spots like the South Yuba River or venture to nearby attractions such as Lake Tahoe for cooler escapes.
Winter (November to February) brings fewer crowds and moderate rainfall. It’s a great time to see seasonal spectacles like the Monticello Dam Spillway and Phantom Falls. Holiday events, including the Sacramento Christmas Lights and New Year’s Eve celebrations, also light up the city during this quieter season.
28 things to do in Sacramento, CA
Skiing at Lake Tahoe
Magical sparkling scenery and a wide range of activities attract people to Lake Tahoe each winter
Sutter Buttes
Some enthusiasts try to reach the summit of the highest mountains in the world, but how about the smallest?
California State Fair
The Fair has been attracting people for over 150 years. Come and join this spectacular celebration
Monticello Dam Morning Glory Spillway
An enormous drain hole that resembles a portal to another world is especially impressive during the rainy season
California International Marathon
With spectacular State Capitol Finish this marathon features an easy downhill course and can help you to qualify for the Boston Marathon
Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze
Kick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze
Bassi Falls
A beautiful and popular site in El Dorado county
Loch Leven Lakes
A beautiful chain of lakes high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Napa Valley Harvest Season
Watch Napa Valley come to life with the thrill and rush of the harvest
California Fall Colors
Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State
Sacramento Christmas Lights
Witness a beautiful holiday transformation of the city when entire neighborhoods dress to impress
Lunar New Year in Sacramento
Celebrate with cultural performances, delicious food, and joyful traditions
Sandhill Crane Migration in California
Central Valley hosts thousands of wintering sandhill cranes
Fall Colors
Autumn shows off spectacular foliage in the vineyards of California's Wine Country
Taste of Yountville (Yountville Live)
The food capital of Napa Valley showcases some gourmet music
Halloween in Sacramento: Ghost Tours, Zombie Walk & Seasonal Events
Zombies, ghosts and haunted houses—Sacramento has it all!
Sac Comic-Con
A full day of family-friendly entertainment for the fans of pop culture
Sacramento 4th of July Parades and Fireworks
Explore the best annual events in Sacramento and its suburbs
Lincoln 4th of July Parade & Events
A traditional family-friendly celebration near Sacramento
KVMR Celtic Festival
A fun-filled weekend fair with five musical and six demonstration stages
Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival
Seize the opportunity to spot a one-ton pumpkin and canoes carved from orange behemoths
Coast Starlight Train Trip
The 35-hour Coast Starlight journey passes through astonishing views of the Cascade Range, Mount Shasta, and the Pacific Ocean shoreline
